{WICHITA, Ks.} — Missouri State put together a five-run third inning and handed Wichita State its first shutout loss since early March with a 6-0 Bears' win Friday at Eck Stadium.
The visiting Bears scored their six runs on 13 hits in front of a crowd of 3,275 to open a three-game Missouri Valley Conference series between the series.
No. 29 Missouri State improved to 28-11 overall and 7-2 in conference play, while the Shockers fell to 23-18 overall and 5-5 in the MVC. Friday marked the first time since a 4-0 loss March 3 at Hawaii that Wichita State was shut out this season.
Bears' starting pitcher Nick Petree threw six shutout innings, allowing four hits, three walks and striking out nine. He improved to 8-2 this season.
Shocker starter Josh Smith (4-3) was credited with the loss, allowing nine hits, five runs, three walks and striking out three in 4.1 innings.
